On Tuesday July 1st, get ready for an unforgettable Canada Day celebration in beautiful Huntsville! Our charming Muskoka town pulls out all the stops with a day-long festival featuring historical experiences, live music, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Whether you're a local or visiting cottage country, Huntsville's Canada Day celebration offers something special for everyone.
Start your Canada Day adventure at Muskoka Heritage Place where the gates open at 9:30 a.m. This unique celebration combines patriotic spirit with local history, offering free admission to the museum and pioneer village with just a donation of non-perishable food items for the Huntsville Salvation Army Food Bank.
The festivities kick off with an opening ceremony in the village green, featuring special guests and a surprise master of ceremonies from local history. Families can enjoy traditional games, participate in a village-wide scavenger hunt, and try their hand at making cattail dolls. Don't miss the complimentary Canada Day cupcakes and fresh strawberry shortcake served at 10:30 a.m. – but arrive early as these treats are available while supplies last!
Canada Day also marks the exciting return of the Portage Flyer Steam Train for the season! This vintage locomotive offers scenic rides throughout the day at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. Note that regular train admission fees apply for this popular attraction.
The party continues from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at River Mill Park with a vibrant community celebration featuring a distinctly Canadian theme. Browse unique offerings from local vendors, participate in games and activities designed for all ages, and soak up the festive atmosphere along the beautiful Muskoka River.
The evening culminates with an electrifying live performance by THE HiP MACHINE, a high-energy tribute band celebrating the music of The Tragically Hip. This beloved Canadian rock tribute is guaranteed to get the crowd singing along to iconic hits that define the soundtrack of Canada.
Cap off your Canada Day celebration with a breathtaking fireworks display over Hunters Bay at 10:00 p.m. Moose FM will be broadcasting live from Avery Beach, spinning an all-Canadian playlist that perfectly complements the spectacular light show dancing across the water.
Weather Note: All Canada Day events will proceed rain or shine, though severe weather may cause delays or cancellations. Stay updated on any changes through the Town of Huntsville and Muskoka Heritage Place social media channels, especially regarding potential fire bans that could affect the fireworks display.
While in Huntsville, take advantage of the area's abundant outdoor activities including hiking, paddling and bicycling.
Popular attractions include Arrowhead Provincial Park for scenic trails and natural beauty, Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm for educational tours, and the iconic Lions Lookout offering panoramic views of the Muskoka landscape. Adventure seekers can experience Treetop Trekking Huntsville for an adrenaline-pumping canopy adventure, or explore the pristine wilderness of Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve with its twenty private lakes and 10,000 acres of mixed forest. Downtown Huntsville features local artwork by Muskoka artisans and the impressive Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, showcasing dramatic reproduction murals of famous Canadian landscape paintings throughout the town.
Huntsville's scenic river running through downtown means many of the best restaurants offer outdoor patios with beautiful views. Waterfront establishments along the historic Town Dock provide stunning waterscape views during the day and transform into lively hotspots with entertainment as evening approaches. Several restaurants feature multi-level patios that provide ideal settings to enjoy drinks and food while watching boats arrive downtown.
For breakfast, lunch, or dinner between activities, explore the diverse culinary scene that ranges from family-owned establishments serving made-from-scratch meals to upscale dining experiences.
To fully experience everything Huntsville has to offer, consider booking an overnight stay and turning your Canada Day celebration into a memorable getaway. The area offers a variety of accommodation options, from family-friendly resorts with scenic golf courses and adventure activities, to comfortable hotels known for their spacious rooms and convenient locations.
Many accommodations provide easy access to both downtown Huntsville's attractions and the surrounding natural wonders of Muskoka, making them perfect base camps for exploring Algonquin Provincial Park, Arrowhead Provincial Park, and the numerous lakes and trails that make this region a year-round destination. Whether you choose a lakefront resort, a downtown hotel, or a countryside retreat, extending your stay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that have made Huntsville a beloved destination for generations of visitors.
Plan your perfect Canada Day celebration in Huntsville, where patriotic pride meets Muskoka's natural beauty for an unforgettable summer experience. From morning historical adventures to evening fireworks over the bay, this celebration captures the true spirit of Canada in one of Ontario's most picturesque settings.